At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create delicious meals for schools and manage kitchen operations.
- Company: Join IFG, a top-rated education catering company dedicated to serving better food to children.
- Benefits: Enjoy daytime hours, free meals, uniform, pension, and potential bonuses up to 10%.
- Other info: Free qualifications and discounts at over 850 retailers available!
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's nutrition while enjoying work-life balance and career growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in cooking and managing teams, preferably in education catering.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Impact Food Group (IFG) is one of England's fastest-growing school food providers, serving around one million students every day across more than 1,500 schools. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that support student wellbeing and enjoyment. Our brands include Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One (Independent Schools), Hutchison, and Dolce, reflecting our breadth of experience and reach across the school catering sector. The role… Job Title: Chef Manager School Location: Fullbrook Secondary School, KT15 Working Days: Monday to Friday Shifts & Working hours: 6.30am-4pm (45 hours per week) Working Weeks: 42 weeks per year (term time, inset days and 3 additional weeks) Pay Details: £38,000 Annum What will I be doing? As a Chef Manager , you'll take full responsibility for running a high-volume kitchen , serving fresh, seasonal meals to hundreds of students every day. This is a hands-on, leadership role where you'll manage your team, maintain high standards, and ensure smooth, efficient service. Your responsibilities will include: Leading, motivating, and developing your catering team Preparing and serving fresh, seasonal meals at high volume Planning menus, managing stock, and controlling budgets Ensuring all food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards are met Building strong relationships with onsite clients and stakeholders Overseeing the smooth running of service, from prep to finish We're not in the business of making school food—we're here to make great food , and that's why our customers love us. What are we looking for? We're looking for an experienced Chef Manager with a passion for high-volume catering and strong leadership skills. Previous experience managing a kitchen, ideally in schools or high-volume catering environments Proven ability to cook fresh, seasonal food at high volumes Strong people management and team leadership skills Experience managing kitchen operations, stock, and compliance Excellent organisational and communication skills A proactive, hands-on approach and pride in maintaining high standards If you thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy leading teams to deliver great food, this could be the role for you. What's in it for you? We offer a fantastic work-life balance: Daytime hours, no evenings or weekends All school holidays off Free meals on shift and uniform provided Plus, you'll benefit from: Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities Access to free qualifications Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers Monthly team incentives with the chance to win shopping vouchers This is your opportunity to lead a high-volume kitchen , develop your career, and make a real difference in students' lives. Next steps If you think you've got what it takes, we'd love to hear from you! Please note: An interview, trade test and kitchen visit will be required as part of the recruitment process. IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children, and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure and children's barred list check, which IFG will pay for. We are a committed equal opportunities employer - if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements. TPBN1_UKCT
Chef Manager in Surrey employer: Impact Food Group
Impact Food Group is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment at Cottenham Village College. With a focus on fresh food and nutritious meals, employees benefit from term-time hours that allow for a great work-life balance, alongside opportunities for personal growth and development within the culinary field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the Chef Manager role at IFG. Understand their focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and education catering, as this will help you tailor your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing a kitchen and leading a team. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully overseen operations and maintained high standards in food preparation and service.
✨Tip Number 3
Research IFG's values and recent achievements, such as being awarded Education Caterer of the Year. This knowledge will demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and its mission during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to client relationships and communication, as liaising with onsite clients is a key part of the role. Think of examples where you've successfully managed client expectations and built strong working relationships.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in education catering and management. Emphasise your skills in cooking with fresh ingredients and managing a team, as these are key for the Chef Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for providing quality food in an educational setting. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage a kitchen and liaise with clients effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:If you have any qualifications related to culinary arts or food safety, be sure to include them in your application. This will show your commitment to maintaining high standards in food preparation and service.
Prepare for the Interview:Since an interview and kitchen visit are part of the process, think about how you can demonstrate your cooking skills and management style. Be ready to discuss how you would handle various scenarios in a school catering environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Impact Food Group
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking techniques and experience with fresh, seasonal ingredients. You might even be asked to demonstrate a dish or two, so brush up on your signature recipes!
✨Highlight Management Experience
As a Chef Manager, you'll need strong people management skills. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led a team, managed kitchen operations, and ensured smooth service in previous roles.
✨Understand the Education Catering Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and requirements of catering in an educational setting. Discussing your knowledge of dietary needs and food safety regulations will show that you're well-prepared for the role.
✨Express Your Passion for Good Food
IFG is all about making good food for children. Share your enthusiasm for creating delicious meals and your commitment to improving children's dining experiences. This passion can set you apart from other candidates.
